We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique Travis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique below.

Monique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

In 2019, I decided to quit my full-time job as I had been experiencing a hostile work environment over a long period of time. I was in graduate school as well at the time and between the two, felt it was best to let my job go. It definitely was a transitional phase in my life, but I created a routine for myself everyday to make sure that I was active and maintained discipline in my life. Part of my routine was sewing twice a day, which was great for me as sewing is a stress reliever; my creative process allows me to transmute my energy in a positive manner. Previous to me resigning, one of my close friends had been quietly encouraging me to solidify my business and turn it into an LLC for a few months, but I didn’t see the vision. The more I sewed post-resignation, the more he presented the idea to me and all the “why’s” too. Eventually a couple months later, I took him up on his offer and he helped me through the process. At the time, I was already planning a photoshoot for all the pieces I had been working on and presenting it with my rebrand to be released on my birthday. The morning of my birthday, I received an email stating my business’ official start date was that of my birthday. In that moment, I appreciated stepping out on faith without fully having a vision, the supportive push from a friend and seeing things in my life come together the way it’s supposed to, not necessarily how I want it to.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

While working at my job, I had a work place incident that led me to have PTSD and anxiety. For 6 months, I was out of work and three months into unemployment, I decided to start sewing more. It was something I could do to help me escape, while placing my energy into something positive. I would go in my basement and sew for hours, sometimes sewing two to three items a day. From there, I sewed more frequently, at least once a week. The more I sewed and wore my garments, the more compliments I would receive. Over time, people would ask me if I sewed for others and what the name of my company was. Once I was asked about the name while at church and my friend on the spot said, “Made by Mo” and it stuck. For the longest time, I was trying to come up with a one, but when my friend said that I knew that was it!

I first learned to sew while taking it as an elective class in high school. Sewing allows me to express myself and bring my visions to life. Every piece is made with love, passion & good energy which is meant to translate into each finished garment. As I am constantly inspired by others, I hope that you too find the same through my work.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I feel the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been staying true to myself and not valuing money over my name/reputation. When it comes to the pieces I sew, I almost never hop on fads and if I do, make it a point to switch it up to make it my own. Designing pieces that are exclusive to my brand excite me because originality excites me. It’s important to stand out and offer statement pieces with quality that cannot be duplicated. Often times I am asked to sew pieces I do not feel are functional, do not align with my brand or are out of my current sewing abilities. One of my golden business rules is to never put myself in a situation where I will have to provide subpar customer service and or issue a refund. Money cannot buy a good reputation. Customers appreciate my honesty, integrity and commitment to providing the best customer service I can. I take pride in building my quality clientele slowly overtime versus having a revolving door of individuals whose repeated business I cannot maintain. I am glad that as I grow, my clientele grows with me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

For my first Made by Mo photoshoot, each look was accompanied by one of my favorite books. “It Worked for Me” by Colin Powell was a must feature as it is a story about his entire career journey as a young man to a retired four-star general and 65th Secretary of State. He describes how each of his work experiences prepared him for the next levels in his life. He is an inspirational, intelligent, and successful black man with high achievements, yet still remains a controversial figure. In this book that focuses on excellent leadership, there were three main lessons that stuck with me. First is to develop a strong work ethic and take pride in your job duties in the early stages of your career as the discipline will be instilled with you as you progress. Second, there is a difference between leadership and management (be a leader, not a manager) and last, learn how to maneuver difficult situations in your career to come out on top. Many times, in my career I have felt overlooked, under paid and appreciated, but I’ve learned to absorb and observe my work environments and take mental notes. Mental notes of practices that I believe will shape me into the leader I aspire to be one day. Starting from the bottom and working your way up to the top is a learning process. So, observe, learn and apply because every teacher was once a student.

“Purpose is the destination of a vision. It energizes that vision, gives it force and drive. It should be positive and powerful…”- Colin Powell

Contact Info:

• Website: MadebyMoSew.com
• Instagram: Made_bymo
• Other: linktr.ee/MadebyMoSew

Image Credits
Image Credit: Joshua Hagwood (3 photos)